OK I am not a looper, but a marine diesel tech of over 30 years. Stick with a Hatteras, Grand Banks etc. The wiring and mechanical installations are done very well, over built in ways. VERY IMPORTANT to see if the boat has steel fuel tanks!!! Steel tanks on a salt water used boat, or one that has been neglected, are a no go. You either need to cut the side out of the boat to replace tanks that rust through from the inside (condensation builds up, water collects at the bottom) or pull the engines then pull the tanks, or cut the tanks in to pieces and get them out then have either fiberglass or aluminum tanks fabbed in place. Could cost tens of thousands in labor. Speaking of which, when you buy a boat, find out what replacing an engine will cost, and keep that much money in reserve! Stick with Cats, Cummins B or C series, or Detroits. Volvo makes a good engine BUT when they are neglected or need a part, they are high $ and with Cat or Cummins remanufactured parts are available. Volvo? HA good luck! Had to replace a turbo on an early 2000's Carver last year. $5,700 and no reman available! A cat or Cummins turbo would have been maybe $1200. And last, don't I repeat don't cry in my ear as I am tending to your broken engine about how broke you are... seriously, don't buy a boat if you can't deal with the realities of repair. Or do the repairs yourself. I turned down a 1988 vintage Taiwan built aft cabin motoryacht for a dollar last year. Seriously I knew that right off the bat I would have a $700 a month dockage bill for a hull with neglected engines that needed about $2000 in custom exhaust risers, rusty fuel tanks, a complete marine AC system, and it still smelled like mold, neglect, and mauve shag carpet. :)
@@bradbeck77 I haven't ever had a request to work on a Hino, however the diesel powered Bayliners aren't common on the south east US coast where I work as they are on the west coast so I can't offer up a view on them.
Budget aside, I would grab an Eastbay 44 and never look back. You get the lower Air Height, impressive hull speed when needed, a plush interior, and a narrower beam which is very beneficial when sharing locks.
I have gone from N. MI. to FL twice. Loved that part of the "circle". I was in sailboats and headed for some serious Ocean time. Have you two considered a 35-45 Power Cat? You will use far less fuel, have the family space, and great room to spread out on the decks. Be happy, be safe.
Thanks, Larry! We’ve looked at two power cats and found they just weren’t our thing. Maybe it’s the models we looked at but we found the interior space awkward. No doubt they’re fuel efficient, we just didn’t like the layouts. Thanks for watching!
I looked at the Californian 48 in person. That boat was gorgeous, showed better in person. The listing broker was A-1. The boat is sold, we both lost out on a winner! best of luck on your searching!
The California 48 reminds me of the Hatteras 52 Cockpit Motor Yacht and looks like it would fit your needs well. :) These are newer than the Hatteras 48 you looked at, is one of the most popular models Hatteras built and there is a 48' version without the Cockpit, though those are difficult to find. It comes in 2 and three stateroom versions. Roughly half, on the market, have a lower helm and at least 3/4th of them are the three stateroom version.
Nice video. We have been wanting to do the loop for the last 20 years. Last night we decided to finally just do it before our kids are gone (16 & 13). We promised the kids a 3 cabin boat and it appears your list will really help narrow that down for us :). So now we've got about 3 months to find a boat bring it back to the Great Lakes get it ready and head out in Aug.
Congratulations, Dave! That is so awesome! What an exciting decision! We feel the same way with our kids. We've found 3 staterooms a little harder to find but certainly not impossible (as this video shows). Good luck boat shopping and planning your loop!
My friend has been pestering me to watch your video's for the last few months. I finally did and enjoyed them. Have you looked at Navigator boats. If you are a member of the Aglca read the thread about Navigators. It appears that up to a 53 footer will fit the loop top and bottom requirements. There was one on Yachtworld that fit your price parameter but it was the 2 stateroom variety not the 3. Not sure if the Navigators will bring out Shakira or not. Like the whiskey selection. Thanks for your efforts
Thank you so much! Glad you're enjoying the videos. I'll review the Navigator thread. I've liked the lines of the ones we've looked at. Will totally have another look. Thanks for the suggestion!
Nice choices and video. But I am partial to Carver Cockpit MY either 42 or 50…here’s why…setting aside quality and reliability, the aft cabin has (basically) a sliding glass door leading to the cockpit….almost like a “semi-private” balcony directly off the bedroom…great for giving one “space” especially with other guests aboard . You can also just lie in bed and open the large screened doorway for fresh night air and a view! Head in one locker…divided by open sink in room (handy..don’t need to leave room just to wash hands or freshen up) and shower is in its own locker too. Larger (50 ft) has a stack washer/dryer…price was between $169k and $199k
“Might have been me watching three times...” LOL - great channel guys. Watching this search with interest. It’s refreshing to see folks shopping under the half mil range....🙊
Yeah, we watch those >half mil+ videos too $$$$$$$ but it's just not our style. Older, fixer-upper-ish, within our cash budget is where it's at (for us at least).
@@onFIREfamily - you said it all with “cash budget”. So so tempting in this age of cheap money to borrow yourself into serious trouble. Thankfully my other half keeps my feet planted on terra firma in this realm. Grand-daughter of a dust-bowl prairie farmer....I’d live in a much bigger house and drive much nicer cars (and boats!) if it was left up to me. As a result we’ve got zero credit card debt, two plain but paid off cars and a modest house about free and clear. I can sleep at night thanks to her. (All in time for our son to rack up a couple hundred thou in university fees....😑😑😑. Ah well - that’s our true purpose anyway...get those young ones off and into the world. Ok....back to boats! :-)
You must remember height limits on Oswego and erie canals, I belive 24' with to roof is the highest that will fit. Some boat manufacturers make loop models
Thanks, Carlos! I think we looked at one but it was way out of budget. Looked like a terrific model though! We’ll take another look. Thanks for the tip!
Just came across your page and enjoying this video. If you're in love with the Hatteras 48, take a look at the Atlantic 47. It's essentially identical to the Hatteras as it was a Hargrave design. Some came with Cat 3208's and some with Detroit Diesels. I previously owned a 1981 44 Atlantic Sundeck, which other than a step down from the aft deck to the gunwales, had an interior identical to the Hatteras 43
@@onFIREfamily You are both incredibly inspiring. I need another 50K to get out there with. Until I do I will continue to use you guys as motivation. Cheers!
Hatteras 48 or 52 Cockpit MY has my vote. The only concern I have is the wide beam. I am not sure how easy will be finding a berth in Marinas .That becomes a non issue if you plan to anchor mostly .
In that range, I think beam isn’t too concerning. People do the loop in catamarans so it’s not too limiting. And, yes, we want to anchor a bunch also. Thanks for the comment!
Greetings from New Zealand. What did you buy? Do you still have it? Would you like to sell it? Your style is great. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Look at the Nordic Tug 42. It has very separate staterooms. Two heads, one wet head by the guest stateroom, and dry head with separate shower in the master stateroom. Full galley, with full sized fridge (like apartment sized, but larger than most boat fridges). Wash and drier, Dingy davit, swim deck, and the list goes on and on.
I suppose #1 will be whatever we end up with! We made this video quite a while ago. We’re probably looking at a Motor Yacht instead of a Trawler just for amenities for our family.
I've been researching the great loop idea myself for two years now for my upcoming retirement. After reading a couple of books o the subject, I was looking in the 32ft (or 36ft) to 40ft range for trawlers with an aft and forward sleeping cabin) as a number of marinas on the loop are not really setup for boats larger than 40ft (or 36ft), and it's mostly at trawler speeds and (single engine) trawlers get the better mileage and being diesel the fuel is cheaper than gas. So I was surprised with your rundown of bigger boats and describing many of them as popular looper boats. There I was thinking my research was narrowing in on a limited number of choices and now I find myself pausing to reconsider. However, even in a motor yacht I would likely go smaller than many of the boats you mentioned, due to my budget, as every foot of a boat is going to cost you extra, for both marinas and many services. I do love your happy-hour weekly boat check-out. I may adopt that myself.
Congratulations on your loop plans and thanks for watching! Because we're fitting four people, we have to look at larger boats. From what we've researched, if you run a motor yacht at trawler speeds it doesn't have to break the bank. That said, you are 100% correct on single engine diesel in as small as would be comfortable for you being the most economical choice.
“ Finish the loop and sale the boat quick” I’ll keep watching but how’d that work out? This is my fear cause I don’t want or have any use for a big old boat after doing the loop. I see these old boats here in SWFL sitting for sale everywhere and rotting away.
We bought our boat, did the loop, and sold it 15mo later for $5k less than we bought it for. It was an amazing trip and a great choice. Great Loop Yacht Sales is an amazing brokerage for buying and selling. DO IT!
We don't have much experience there since we're a family of four. We've seen quite a few Ranger tugs that seem single hand-able. I'd say join the AGLCA and find the solo looper forum/community and see what they're cruising. Best of luck! Cheers.
Thank you for the video! Does the Power Boat Guide list cabin height? For some strange reason, finding this information is guarded like a state secret. I'm 6'6" and at the Annapolis boat show I saw many people my height or taller. I can't be the only one looking to find this data. Thanks.
a friend of mine is solo Looping this winter in a Catalina 25, obviously only big enough for 1 or 2 people at most and NOT comfortable by any stetch of the imagination compared to these giants AND requires a lot of work to get off the ground if you get them used and in bad shape (like he did) but they are FAR cheaper and can sail just fine on the water.
We’ve looked at some Chris Craft 500’s and 501’s and like them. For Mainship, we’ve had a hard time finding 3 staterooms (but they’re out there). Present is new to me - I’ll check it out! Thanks!
Got this video in my recommendations feed today, and first thing's first: hello fellow Portlanders! 🙂 Saw the Eastside Distilling bottle, then the Portland registration, so I'm happy to find a local. Secondly, great video! Great summation, and I look forward to going back through the catalog to get your breakdowns of all the boats. Good luck in your hunt for a boat and your trip! I'm jealous!
Okay since I commented on the first video I need a comment on this video.. plus I know it helps your Analytics LOL. Would you guys go into maybe a little bit more detail of radio etiquette? And how did you end up in the group of 12 I know you said a fellow Looper put it together but does that just mean they put out a radio call saying hey we're going through the lock at 4 a.m. anyone want to go?
I think you're thinking of a different channel. We won't start our loop until 2022 but were following with interest the fleet this year as they headed south from Chicago.
Can you elaborate on the “motor yacht not trawler” decision? Just starting down the same road. Just the two of us for the whole trip, but want to be able to host guests for a week or two at various points along the way. Plan to buy a boat and do the loop. Then we will sell and upgrade to a passage maker. Are there really that many places on the loop that you want to go fast? From what I’ve researched so far, the loop is approximately 140 (?) “travel days” not counting side trips, and if we spend the whole year doing it that leaves a lot of lazy days. What’s the point in getting anywhere too fast? Thanks for sharing your experience. I just found this video and can’t wait to go back and watch all the rest.
Thanks for watching, Chris, and good luck on your boat search as well! For us, it’s less about speed/efficiency and more about amenities. We just find the motor yachts we’ve looked at to be better equipped for our family. We don’t mind going at 9knots (trawler speed) for the loop and probably wouldn’t often use the planing hull or higher top speed of the motor yacht vs the displacement hulls we’ve looked at. Blue water passage making is another story and, as you point out, is a different boat. Sounds like you’ve got a GREAT plan for adventure!
Thanks for the comment, Bill. Although families have done the trip on smaller boats, I’m sure we’d all be happier if the teenager have their own space. We’re still shopping and smaller boats are certainly still on the table for us though.
OK I am not a looper, but a marine diesel tech of over 30 years. Stick with a Hatteras, Grand Banks etc. The wiring and mechanical installations are done very well, over built in ways. VERY IMPORTANT to see if the boat has steel fuel tanks!!! Steel tanks on a salt water used boat, or one that has been neglected, are a no go. You either need to cut the side out of the boat to replace tanks that rust through from the inside (condensation builds up, water collects at the bottom) or pull the engines then pull the tanks, or cut the tanks in to pieces and get them out then have either fiberglass or aluminum tanks fabbed in place. Could cost tens of thousands in labor. Speaking of which, when you buy a boat, find out what replacing an engine will cost, and keep that much money in reserve! Stick with Cats, Cummins B or C series, or Detroits. Volvo makes a good engine BUT when they are neglected or need a part, they are high $ and with Cat or Cummins remanufactured parts are available. Volvo? HA good luck! Had to replace a turbo on an early 2000's Carver last year. $5,700 and no reman available! A cat or Cummins turbo would have been maybe $1200. And last, don't I repeat don't cry in my ear as I am tending to your broken engine about how broke you are... seriously, don't buy a boat if you can't deal with the realities of repair. Or do the repairs yourself. I turned down a 1988 vintage Taiwan built aft cabin motoryacht for a dollar last year. Seriously I knew that right off the bat I would have a $700 a month dockage bill for a hull with neglected engines that needed about $2000 in custom exhaust risers, rusty fuel tanks, a complete marine AC system, and it still smelled like mold, neglect, and mauve shag carpet. :)
Thank you so much for the detailed comment. Some great points for sure! Especially about fuel tanks, etc! Really appreciate it! Thanks!
@doghearder I would interested to hear your thoughts on the Hino Diesel engines in the Bayliners. How would you compare to the Cummins and Cats?
@@bradbeck77 I haven't ever had a request to work on a Hino, however the diesel powered Bayliners aren't common on the south east US coast where I work as they are on the west coast so I can't offer up a view on them.
Budget aside, I would grab an Eastbay 44 and never look back. You get the lower Air Height, impressive hull speed when needed, a plush interior, and a narrower beam which is very beneficial when sharing locks.
Absolutely! Budget aside, of course!
I have gone from N. MI. to FL twice. Loved that part of the "circle". I was in sailboats and headed for some serious Ocean time. Have you two considered a 35-45 Power Cat? You will use far less fuel, have the family space, and great room to spread out on the decks. Be happy, be safe.
Thanks, Larry! We’ve looked at two power cats and found they just weren’t our thing. Maybe it’s the models we looked at but we found the interior space awkward. No doubt they’re fuel efficient, we just didn’t like the layouts. Thanks for watching!
I looked at the Californian 48 in person. That boat was gorgeous, showed better in person. The listing broker was A-1. The boat is sold, we both lost out on a winner! best of luck on your searching!
Thank you! Yes, that was really our first love. Have not seen another come on the market we've been as impressed with.
I would take the Hat 48 of your top 5. All 5 are nice though.....
Cheers!!!
Thanks! Appreciate you watching and commenting!
The California 48 reminds me of the Hatteras 52 Cockpit Motor Yacht and looks like it would fit your needs well. :) These are newer than the Hatteras 48 you looked at, is one of the most popular models Hatteras built and there is a 48' version without the Cockpit, though those are difficult to find. It comes in 2 and three stateroom versions. Roughly half, on the market, have a lower helm and at least 3/4th of them are the three stateroom version.
Sounds like a perfect option. Will keep an eye out for a 52 Cockpit and have a look! Thanks for the comment! Cheers!
Nice video. We have been wanting to do the loop for the last 20 years. Last night we decided to finally just do it before our kids are gone (16 & 13). We promised the kids a 3 cabin boat and it appears your list will really help narrow that down for us :). So now we've got about 3 months to find a boat bring it back to the Great Lakes get it ready and head out in Aug.
Congratulations, Dave! That is so awesome! What an exciting decision! We feel the same way with our kids. We've found 3 staterooms a little harder to find but certainly not impossible (as this video shows). Good luck boat shopping and planning your loop!
For resale I would stick to the name brands on the east coast.
My friend has been pestering me to watch your video's for the last few months. I finally did and enjoyed them. Have you looked at Navigator boats. If you are a member of the Aglca read the thread about Navigators. It appears that up to a 53 footer will fit the loop top and bottom requirements. There was one on Yachtworld that fit your price parameter but it was the 2 stateroom variety not the 3. Not sure if the Navigators will bring out Shakira or not. Like the whiskey selection.
Thanks for your efforts
Thank you so much! Glad you're enjoying the videos. I'll review the Navigator thread. I've liked the lines of the ones we've looked at. Will totally have another look. Thanks for the suggestion!
Nice choices and video. But I am partial to Carver Cockpit MY either 42 or 50…here’s why…setting aside quality and reliability, the aft cabin has (basically) a sliding glass door leading to the cockpit….almost like a “semi-private” balcony directly off the bedroom…great for giving one “space” especially with other guests aboard . You can also just lie in bed and open the large screened doorway for fresh night air and a view! Head in one locker…divided by open sink in room (handy..don’t need to leave room just to wash hands or freshen up) and shower is in its own locker too. Larger (50 ft) has a stack washer/dryer…price was between $169k and $199k
Thanks! Yes, it’s a good layout and there are lots out here on the loop. We needed 3 staterooms so that’s why we did what we did. Thanks for watching!
“Might have been me watching three times...” LOL - great channel guys. Watching this search with interest. It’s refreshing to see folks shopping under the half mil range....🙊
Yeah, we watch those >half mil+ videos too $$$$$$$ but it's just not our style. Older, fixer-upper-ish, within our cash budget is where it's at (for us at least).
@@onFIREfamily - you said it all with “cash budget”. So so tempting in this age of cheap money to borrow yourself into serious trouble. Thankfully my other half keeps my feet planted on terra firma in this realm. Grand-daughter of a dust-bowl prairie farmer....I’d live in a much bigger house and drive much nicer cars (and boats!) if it was left up to me. As a result we’ve got zero credit card debt, two plain but paid off cars and a modest house about free and clear. I can sleep at night thanks to her.
(All in time for our son to rack up a couple hundred thou in university fees....😑😑😑. Ah well - that’s our true purpose anyway...get those young ones off and into the world. Ok....back to boats! :-)
@@oakwoodsp534 Yep! Cash is king. Takes a lot of risk out of this kind of grand adventure. Thanks for the comment (and vote of confidence)!
enjoyed the video interesting what you will buy in the end
Thanks! It will be interesting to see what we end up with for sure!
You must remember height limits on Oswego and erie canals, I belive 24' with to roof is the highest that will fit. Some boat manufacturers make loop models
Yep!! Thanks, Fred! The lowest fixed bridge in the 19.5ft south of Chicago. Thanks for watching!
What about the offshore 48 yacht fisher
Thanks, Carlos! I think we looked at one but it was way out of budget. Looked like a terrific model though! We’ll take another look. Thanks for the tip!
Well having a Hatters 43 ourselves we tend to lean toward that hat 48
Yeah! Thanks!
LOL, just found your video reviewing the Atlantic 47
LOL, yeah, we looked at based on a similar recommendation. Spot on! Thanks!
Just came across your page and enjoying this video. If you're in love with the Hatteras 48, take a look at the Atlantic 47. It's essentially identical to the Hatteras as it was a Hargrave design. Some came with Cat 3208's and some with Detroit Diesels. I previously owned a 1981 44 Atlantic Sundeck, which other than a step down from the aft deck to the gunwales, had an interior identical to the Hatteras 43
Thank you for doing this!
Thanks, Michael! We're having fun and are glad people are enjoying the videos! We appreciate the comment!
@@onFIREfamily You are both incredibly inspiring. I need another 50K to get out there with. Until I do I will continue to use you guys as motivation. Cheers!
That is so awesome! Thanks Michael!
gR8 VIDEO,,i GUESS IT APPLYS to livaboard also. I own 32' 1972 Marrinette CRuiser.
Totally! What we’re looking for would work well for a live aboard situation. Thanks for watching.
Love this top 5! Well done!
Thanks! Happy boat shopping!
@@onFIREfamily You too! Hopefully nobody buys your boat :). (I worry about that too when we talk about boats we love. LOL)
Yeah, but I’m sure our boats are out there (or will be when we’re ready)!
@@onFIREfamily 100%. They will be ready when we are ready. Now if Canada could just be ready too that would be great.
Hatteras 48 or 52 Cockpit MY has my vote. The only concern I have is the wide beam. I am not sure how easy will be finding a berth in Marinas .That becomes a non issue if you plan to anchor mostly .
In that range, I think beam isn’t too concerning. People do the loop in catamarans so it’s not too limiting. And, yes, we want to anchor a bunch also. Thanks for the comment!
Remember bayliner is meridian
Greetings from New Zealand. What did you buy? Do you still have it? Would you like to sell it? Your style is great. Looking forward to hearing from you.
We ended up with a Cruisers 4450 and sold it when we finished our trip. It was a great boat for us!
Look at the Nordic Tug 42. It has very separate staterooms. Two heads, one wet head by the guest stateroom, and dry head with separate shower in the master stateroom. Full galley, with full sized fridge (like apartment sized, but larger than most boat fridges). Wash and drier, Dingy davit, swim deck, and the list goes on and on.
Will do, thanks!
So, what is #1? The Grand Banks trawler? I like trawlers and might do the loop if the right boat comes along.
I suppose #1 will be whatever we end up with! We made this video quite a while ago. We’re probably looking at a Motor Yacht instead of a Trawler just for amenities for our family.
Bayliner 3988 owner, you get alot of boat for the $. I love my Hino diesels
Thanks! Will take a look at the 3988! Appreciate the comment! Thanks!
Hey there fellow Oregonians.
Hey!!
You can get the new ones digital. That is the last paper copy.
Great tip! Such good info in there!
I've been researching the great loop idea myself for two years now for my upcoming retirement. After reading a couple of books o the subject, I was looking in the 32ft (or 36ft) to 40ft range for trawlers with an aft and forward sleeping cabin) as a number of marinas on the loop are not really setup for boats larger than 40ft (or 36ft), and it's mostly at trawler speeds and (single engine) trawlers get the better mileage and being diesel the fuel is cheaper than gas. So I was surprised with your rundown of bigger boats and describing many of them as popular looper boats. There I was thinking my research was narrowing in on a limited number of choices and now I find myself pausing to reconsider. However, even in a motor yacht I would likely go smaller than many of the boats you mentioned, due to my budget, as every foot of a boat is going to cost you extra, for both marinas and many services. I do love your happy-hour weekly boat check-out. I may adopt that myself.
Congratulations on your loop plans and thanks for watching! Because we're fitting four people, we have to look at larger boats. From what we've researched, if you run a motor yacht at trawler speeds it doesn't have to break the bank. That said, you are 100% correct on single engine diesel in as small as would be comfortable for you being the most economical choice.
@@onFIREfamily Fair point, if we were taking two kids on the trip, we would definitely lean towards the bigger boat.
I am in about the same place as you - and would be curious with what you end up with.
“ Finish the loop and sale the boat quick” I’ll keep watching but how’d that work out? This is my fear cause I don’t want or have any use for a big old boat after doing the loop. I see these old boats here in SWFL sitting for sale everywhere and rotting away.
We bought our boat, did the loop, and sold it 15mo later for $5k less than we bought it for. It was an amazing trip and a great choice. Great Loop Yacht Sales is an amazing brokerage for buying and selling. DO IT!
May I ask what year?
What are your recommendations for a Solo/Single Hand Great Loop Boat or Motor Sailor?
We don't have much experience there since we're a family of four. We've seen quite a few Ranger tugs that seem single hand-able. I'd say join the AGLCA and find the solo looper forum/community and see what they're cruising. Best of luck! Cheers.
What is the maximum draft that I can have to do the great loop
Realistically, a 5ft draft is the most that is practical to complete the loop (although 6ft is technically feasible).
Thank you for the video! Does the Power Boat Guide list cabin height? For some strange reason, finding this information is guarded like a state secret. I'm 6'6" and at the Annapolis boat show I saw many people my height or taller. I can't be the only one looking to find this data. Thanks.
Some listings do have head room and others do not.
a friend of mine is solo Looping this winter in a Catalina 25, obviously only big enough for 1 or 2 people at most and NOT comfortable by any stetch of the imagination compared to these giants AND requires a lot of work to get off the ground if you get them used and in bad shape (like he did) but they are FAR cheaper and can sail just fine on the water.
Totally possible!
Seth how about Mainship, Chris-Craft, Present Yachts.
We’ve looked at some Chris Craft 500’s and 501’s and like them. For Mainship, we’ve had a hard time finding 3 staterooms (but they’re out there). Present is new to me - I’ll check it out! Thanks!
Got this video in my recommendations feed today, and first thing's first: hello fellow Portlanders! 🙂 Saw the Eastside Distilling bottle, then the Portland registration, so I'm happy to find a local.
Secondly, great video! Great summation, and I look forward to going back through the catalog to get your breakdowns of all the boats.
Good luck in your hunt for a boat and your trip! I'm jealous!
Awesome! Thanks for watching! Great to have a local on board!
Okay since I commented on the first video I need a comment on this video.. plus I know it helps your Analytics LOL. Would you guys go into maybe a little bit more detail of radio etiquette? And how did you end up in the group of 12 I know you said a fellow Looper put it together but does that just mean they put out a radio call saying hey we're going through the lock at 4 a.m. anyone want to go?
I think you're thinking of a different channel. We won't start our loop until 2022 but were following with interest the fleet this year as they headed south from Chicago.
Can you elaborate on the “motor yacht not trawler” decision?
Just starting down the same road. Just the two of us for the whole trip, but want to be able to host guests for a week or two at various points along the way.
Plan to buy a boat and do the loop. Then we will sell and upgrade to a passage maker. Are there really that many places on the loop that you want to go fast? From what I’ve researched so far, the loop is approximately 140 (?) “travel days” not counting side trips, and if we spend the whole year doing it that leaves a lot of lazy days. What’s the point in getting anywhere too fast?
Thanks for sharing your experience. I just found this video and can’t wait to go back and watch all the rest.
Thanks for watching, Chris, and good luck on your boat search as well! For us, it’s less about speed/efficiency and more about amenities. We just find the motor yachts we’ve looked at to be better equipped for our family. We don’t mind going at 9knots (trawler speed) for the loop and probably wouldn’t often use the planing hull or higher top speed of the motor yacht vs the displacement hulls we’ve looked at. Blue water passage making is another story and, as you point out, is a different boat. Sounds like you’ve got a GREAT plan for adventure!
Remember your limited draft and height
Thanks, Keith! We’ll need to confirm as we get serious about making a boat purchase but on paper all of these are “loop capable.” Thanks for watching!
Happy Hour..Okay you're alcoholics..can we see something about the loop?
Yep. Stay tuned.
Seriously, all of those are too big, it's a trip, not the rest of your life live a board!
Thanks for the comment, Bill. Although families have done the trip on smaller boats, I’m sure we’d all be happier if the teenager have their own space. We’re still shopping and smaller boats are certainly still on the table for us though.
be careful with the bayliner they have terrible quality and awful resale value.
Thanks.